LOS ANGELES (AP) – The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has initiated a criminal investigation into serious allegations of rape and sexual assault against Smokey Robinson, a prominent figure in the Motown music legacy. The investigation is being handled by the department's Special Victims Bureau, which stated in an announcement that it is "actively investigating criminal allegations" against the 85-year-old musical icon.
These allegations came to light last week when four former housekeepers of Robinson filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court. In this suit, they claim that the legendary singer repeatedly sexually assaulted and raped them, with some incidents reportedly occurring over a span of years, between 2007 and 2024. The plaintiffs are seeking at least $50 million in damages for the alleged assaults.
Robinson's attorney, Christopher Frost, denied the accusations, asserting that they lack merit and are driven by "unadulterated avarice." He expressed confidence that the investigation would ultimately confirm Robinson's innocence, characterizing the lawsuit as a bid to garner public sympathy and create a media spectacle.
The lawyers representing the women, John Harris and Herbert Hayden, welcomed the law enforcement's decision to pursue the allegations. They stated, "Our clients intend to fully cooperate with LASD's ongoing investigation in the pursuit of seeking justice for themselves and others that may have been similarly assaulted by him."
According to the sheriff's department, the investigation is still in its early stages, and no further details have been disclosed at this time. Frost, Robinson's attorney, emphasized that the women’s claims "defy credulity" and contain numerous inconsistencies. The accusers, whose identities remain confidential, reported that Robinson would wait until they were alone in his Los Angeles home to perpetrate the assaults. One woman claimed to have endured at least 20 assaults between 2012 and 2024, while another alleged she was assaulted at least 23 times from 2014 to 2020.
In a blunt statement, Harris referred to Robinson as a "serial and sick rapist" who needs to be stopped, highlighting the severity of the accusations against the singer. Initially, during a press conference, the women's lawyers noted that the accusers had not yet contacted law enforcement but believed the allegations warranted police involvement. All four accusers reported that eventually, they left their positions due to the ongoing assaults and expressed fears about retaliation, public disgrace, and potential repercussions on their immigration status.
Smokey Robinson, known for his extensive catalog of hits with the Miracles and as a solo artist, remains a celebrated figure in the music industry. His iconic songs include "Tears of a Clown" and "The Tracks of My Tears," and he has penned tracks for other Motown legends such as the Temptations' "My Girl." Furthermore, Robinson is recognized as a member of both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, underscoring his significant contributions to American music.
As the investigation unfolds, the implications of these serious allegations could have profound ramifications on Robinson's legacy and public image within the music industry.
